"Scientists investigate that which already is, Engineers create that which has never been.''- Albert Einstein

Had the Wright Brothers not given the gift of aircraft to this world, the term ‘aeronautics’ would have just remained absent from the career dictionary. Thanks to the innovative minds of these fellows- Wilbur Wright and Orville - the sky is not the limit.

With aeronautics, the need to understand the dynamics of aeronautical system also emerged with time. This is how Aeronautical Engineering evolved as branch of science in the academic discipline.

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautics is the branch of science which involves the complete understanding and dynamics of aircraft design & development – right from its building, testing and construction. The study involves the extensive research study on the aerodynamic al structure of the aircrafts and concepts like air pressure, lifting/dragging, air-foiling, control surfaces etc. Aeronautical Engineering has thus become an applied field in science and extends its roots towards Aerospace Engineering.

In aerospace companies, aeronautical experts (engineers) make use of their advanced technical knowledge in a very efficient manner i.e. performing excellently amidst tough competition, low-budgets, facing day-to-day challenges in an innovative atmosphere etc. Senior Aeronautical experts, in this manner, leave a trail of valuable lessons for the aspiring aeronautical engineering students.

Course Structure: The undergraduate course (B.E.) and postgraduate course (M.E) are the courses that one usually comes across in a technical university in the study of Aeronautical Science. The undergraduate and postgraduate course structure is designed in such a way that students are able to comprehend the principles and technological areas of Aeronautical science. The aim of this study is to create an innovative outlook towards Aeroscience and generate solutions to various engineering hurdles. The complete undergraduate and post graduate course in aeronautical engineering involves the study of following academic concepts such as:

a)      Fundamental teaching in aeronautical engineering includes study of electronics, dynamics, thermodynamics etc.

b)      In the second and third year of college, students go through various topics like fluid mechanics, mathematics, aircraft design, behavior, propulsion systems etc.

c)       The final year students learn aero elasticity, control theory, fluid dynamics and the study of composite materials in aeronautical engineering.

      Eligibility: For entering the aeronautical study circle of engineering courses in India, you need to have an extra edge in the subjects like Physics and Mathematics. Entrance tests as well as a standard eligibility percentage sets the standard for admission in aeronautical department.  The department of Aeronautical Engineering at Desh Bhagat University, Punjab has created a glorious opportunity for the students who see themselves as future ‘Aerospace Scientists or Aerospace Engineers.’

Desh Bhagat University in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab offers Bachelor’s course in Aeronautical Engineering (B.E.) and also Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering.  The bachelor’s course is of 4 years and acknowledges 10+2 as its qualifying examination with subjects such as Physics and Mathematics.  For getting an admission into the Diploma Course, the students should have cleared 10^th standard exam from a recognized school.

Aeronautical Engineering Courses in India

Specialization in Aeronautical Engineering: After attaining the post graduate degree the students can opt to specialize in different aeronautical streams such as:

·         Aero-elasticity,

·         Propulsion,

·         Aerodynamics,

·         Avionics,

·         Composites Analytical Research,

·         Research on structure & materials

Career Prospects in Aeronautical Engineering:

 1.       Aeronautical Engineer: The aeronautical engineers are completely involved with the functioning, dynamics and maintenance of the aircrafts. The whole professional arena involves extensive knowledge about the aircraft and includes:

·        Studying aircraft design requisites

·        Analyzing and interpreting data reports

·        Testing, Re-testing and Experimenting – devices and products

·        Theories & practical

·        Report writing, documenting

·        Analysis

2.       Aeronautical Consultancy: The Aeronautical Consultants perform various tasks that range from doing audits (aircraft safety), maintaining asset records of aircraft carriers, suggesting alternatives and giving positive affirmations in order to enhance aircraft’s output, safety and fetch maximum benefits.

3.       Aeronautical Researcher: An aeronautical researcher is constantly engaged with the research studies, developments and innovations in the crude areas of aero science & technology, study of materials and structures, gas turbines, flight research, manufacturing etc.

4.       Aeronautical Technician (Maintenance): The aeronautical technician has to know all the components of the aircraft. For example: hydraulics force engines, fuel-energy systems, flight techniques, gear systems, gear boxes, air-conditioners etc.

5.       Aeronautical Designer: Aeronautic design professionals carry out multiple tasks like creating and the constructing the design of aircrafts, spacecrafts and missiles. They also do a great deal of research in testing and quality and type of materials for aircraft design and manufacture.

Employment agencies that carve an eagle’s eye on Aeronautical Engineers are:

·        Armed Forces

·        R&D ( Research and Development Corporations)

·        Contract Agencies

·        Aerospace and Aero-engine consultancies

·        Airline Operators

Some of the famous aerospace centers in the world:

- ISRO (Indian Space Research organizations)

-NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States

- KHSC (Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center) Moscow

Indians excelling in Aeronautical Science:

a)      Kalpana Chawla: The Karnal girl swayed the whole country with a proud feeling when she flew to the space in shuttle Columbia in 1997. Her life’s journey unfortunately ended with the second space mission in 1993.

b)      Rakesh Sharma: He was the first Indian citizen (IAF test pilot) to who travelled to space. 

c)       Sunita Willliams: A native of Gujarat and later an NRI, Sunita Williams stands at the top by holding a record for as a women astronaut.

-          Longest space flight (195 Days)

-          Highest Spacewalks number (7 steps )

-          Longest spacewalk time (Five hours and forty minutes)

What do I do after B.tech? How will a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering help me further to realize my goals?

After doing B.Tech (Aeronautical Engineering), willing students can opt for Masters in Aeronautical Engineering (M.Tech).Handling and maintaining the aircraft, aircraft- spare parts knowledge; operational techniques and aircraft component analysis are some of the subjects that are taught to the post graduate students of Aeronautical Engineering. The Masters Degree further leads to some exploring research avenues. For example: A doctorate degree in Aeronautcial Engineering (Ph.D) or Post-Doctorate Studies which are based on fellowships granted by different universities.

Aeronautics is a vast field where much can be explored with each coming day. The cutting edge technology has already given birth to numerous scientific innovations and advancements in the field of Aeronautics.       
    
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